I love rom coms but there was something about this book I just couldn’t connect with. I felt it was just super obvious and followed the exact rom com blueprint that made it seem tired to me. I just really struggled to keep reading this book.

3.5 stars

this story was so cute, but i felt that the romance between micah and who he actually ends up with could’ve been fleshed out more. it felt like we were just suddenly told that “oh!! micah was actually in love with him the whole time.” i wish there was more tension between between micah and said boy, too. i thought the structure and pacing of this book was pretty good, though, and i was engaged throughout. overall a cute, light read!

The 99 Boyfriends of Micah Summers was definitely a cute read, and i loved it. it was light hearted and so fun!

The 99 Boyfriends of Micah Summers is perfect for Becky Albertalli fans. This book was so cute and I’m happy I got a free copy from PenguinTeen!!

If you’re into cheesy teenage romance, you might like this book.

The 99 Boyfriends of Micah Summers follows Micah, the popular anonymous artist on Instagram. He draws his crushes as fairytale characters but always fail to ask them out until Boy 99. So he hope Boy 100 is the one. He meets a guy on the train and immediately fall for him. He’s sure the guy is Boy 100. But before he can make his move and ask for the boy’s number, the guy rushes off the train, leaving behind his pumpkin-embroidered jacket. With that jacket as the clue, Micah is determined to find this guy and live his fairytale.

What I like from this book is the design. The font type match the vibe of the book and the doodles make it looks cute. It also has illustrations of Micah’s art in Instagram layout with the caption.

The story was dreamy and cheesy. Very cheesy. I got secondhand embarrassment because many scenes make me cringe so hard for example publicity stunt for 1 month anniversary. It’s called anniversary because it celebrated once a year, not once a month. One month is just the beginning of a relationship.

There are many fairytale references in this book especially Cinderella. The main theme of this book is fairytale-like instalove. But Micah is not only easy to fall in love but also easy to fall out of love. At 1/3 of the book, I can already see how it’s going to end and I was right. I think Micah’s last love interest deserves better.

2.5 🌟 for The 99 Boyfriends of Micah Summers. If you like cheesy modern day fairytale teenage romance, you might like this book. Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Teen for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this read and the characters. I think the author did a really good job developing the story and characters by perfectly writing it so that I still liked Grant and felt for him but also was rooting for Micah to choose the other guy. While some of the things did feel a little unbelievable, i was still able to stay invested in the story. One thing I do wish was talked about more was the online fanbase part of it. I wanted to see more into the reactions Micah's posts were getting, etc.

I wasn't a fan of the instalovey nature of the romance, as well as the plot that seemed a bit out of touch. I feel like so many YA books these days center around "going viral," which just isn't an event that happens very often, or is even as impactful as many books make it out to be. This feels a bit out of touch, and just not very enjoyable to read about. Besides that, this book just read as very average to me: I feel like so many LGBTQ YA books these days are copy pastes of each other; perhaps I just need to read less of the genre, but I want more originality!

Uhhh! This was such a cute LGBTQ read! I absolutely adored Red, White and Royal Blue and was looking for a similar read and I found it!!! It was giving me all the vibes that I was needing and yes! I was able to get lost in the book and loose track of time. Some call if fluff reading I call it mindless reading. I love when I don’t have to think about what I just read and that’s what this book was giving me! Amazing

I really don't have too much to say about this. Micah was mostly too caught up in his own fairytale illusions, in my opinion. Rich, spoilt, and unable to comprehend other people's viewpoints, but upset when they fail to comprehend his. If I'm being completely honest, it made him a little bit difficult to follow and, in general, elliot deserved better.

I requested and received this up back in June in a NetGalley binge when I went through and looked at all the upcoming Young Adult LGBT fiction.* I loved the cover and the concept so thought why not? I missed the review deadline by a few weeks even though I started it with plenty of time. Thanks, school and life for getting in the way.

This is the story of Micah, Grant, and Elliot. Micah is the protagonist who has a really popular Insta account where he draws fantastical versions of the boys he crushes on around Chicago. One of those boys ends up being Grant and the first half of the story is Micah trying to find Grant again, his Cinderfella who disappeared off the train. He's joined by his BFF's other BFF Elliot, who has his issues but brings joy, light, and support to Micah's journey.

I loved how disconnected Micah was from reality with his fairytales and fantasies. Every little gayby and queer boy and probably all queer people, especially older ones dream about these sorts of things, but not quite to this extent.

Unlike my friends, I never outgrew fairy tales, because I don't think they're silly or fake. To lonely little queer boys, they can seem just as real as anything else—more so because I control the story. In reality, I'm a wreck. I can't speak. I can't even look my crushes in the eyes. I control nothing. But in fairy tales, love can be as idealized as I want. I can be anyone. (Chapter 1)

Pretty early on, even before the BFF and Micah's family figured it out, I knew Elliot and Micah were going to be a thing. There was just too much hope and glow in Elliot and Micah was just too dense and committed to living out the fantasy he authored in his head, but I knew it was coming. And it was PERFECT the last few pages, even the epilogue of Insta posts was well done.

After Micah found him again, I almost immediately wasn't a fan of Grant. The first meet-cute scene and their interaction were heart-achingly adorable, but after that Grant always gave me a slightly uncomfortable feeling. It just felt like he was using Micah's fame and reach for his own purposes, and even though I believe he loved Micah I think he loved Micah's network more. This became more and more obvious and Micah finally woke up to it, but still in deference to his fantasy, stuck it out with Grant doing what he asked for longer than he really should have.

That being said one of my favorite lines comes from the two of them together:

This location is convenient for when we have to work late—it's also convenient for when we want to touch each other's butts. (Chapter 18)

If you know me, you know I love Tina Belcher from Bob's Burgers and her obsession with butts and legit did a giggle and would've done a spit take if I'd been drinking when I read that line.

The only other thing I'll say about the book is how much Micah had to grow up and learn things in the space of a few months which is 100% accurate when you're that age. You learn and grow in fits and spurts, often times unexpectedly. Micah had to mature as he woke up to what Grant was doing and realized how wonderful, delightful and perfect for him Elliot was. This happened gradually, but when they spent time together to find inspiration for Micah's mural it really hit it home for me how much he grew and was growing.

I played around with imaginary boyfriends for so long, it didn't occur to me that a real one would require real responsibility. Real stakes. When you love someone, you open yourself to the possibility that you could hurt them just as powerfully. I learned that too late. (Chapter 24)

Recommendation: This was a delightful book. I wish I would've read it a lot faster so there wasn't a big gap in the middle. And I wish I would've read it on something that does the Insta posts more justice. They just weren't that great to see/interact with on the Kindle. I loved how much the characters loved love and each other. Micah's growth and evolution through the novel really made me want a second story about the real 100th boyfriend because that ending was chef's kiss perfect.

*I received a copy of The 99 Boyfriends of Micah Summers via NetGalley in return for my honest opinion. No goods or money were exchanged.

If your in the need for a good YA romance then this is for you. This book follows a boy who runs an anonymous instagram account where he post drawings of the boys he asks out. And he's on the lookout for boy 100. But as always things aren't as they seem.

Adam Sass did such a good job with this book. I feel like some many people are going to love this. It's one of those books where although the idea is cool and sort of relatable in its use of social media.

Micah runs a social media account called Instaloves where he's featured 99 of his crushes. He's been looking for boy 100 for a while now and doesn't find him until a chance encounter leaves a very handsome boy's jacket in his possession. Is this Boy 100? Micha thinks so and with the help of his friends he tracks Boy 100 (Grant) down. Micah and Grant have an instalove, but is this everything Micah dreamed of?

If there was a manual for how to write an incredibly unrelatable character, Micah would probably be at the top of that list. He's got tons of followers, his dad is famous, and he lives in a Chicago penthouse. He literally wants for nothing. I think many modern teens probably won't relate to Micah at all especially when I think of some of my students who don't eat breakfast. I knew since Micah and Grant got together instantly and things were so seemingly perfect (at least in Micah's eyes) that these two were doomed to fail. Micah was a total pushover, and Grant was a user. This also didn't endear me to either character. I liked Elliot, but how many times did Micah point out he was thick? Geez, it's 2022. Give it a rest. The other characters were so one-dimensional and forgettable that I couldn't even tell you one unique thing about them. Sass even dressed two female characters the same. That doesn't help me differentiate the two. Aside from Elliot, the only other thing I liked about this book was the art. I suppose if you're a fan of "going viral", instalove, and unrelatable characters then go for it, but this book wasn't for me nor can I recommend it to my students.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC.

Micah Summers is the owner of an Instagram account where he posts drawings of his crushes. Of course, he remains completely anonymous while doing so. When it is time for him to find boy 100, he is determined to make it special. He wants to find an actual boy to crush on and then ask out. All of the others have mostly just been in his head. He is on a local subway when he meets the boy that he believes fate has picked for him but before he fully ask him out, the train door closes. Determined to find this boy, Micah embarks on an epic quest with his best friend Hannah, and her friend Elliot. Only he quickly finds out that falling in love is not as easy as a fairytale.

The 99 Boyfriends of Micah Summers is a mix of instalove and search for that of one of a kind fairytale ending. The connection between Micah and his mystery boy Grant is immediate. It really is a "we're destined to be together" scenario. The whole was completely idealized in Micah's head and I could tell right away that he was going to be have to learn a potentially hard lesson.

As a character Micah is a bit immature. He wants this fairy tale romance but at the same time isn't aware of what a relationship actually involves. He is also a bit privileged and completely unware of it. Honestly he annoyed me when he was so stuck on himself. Thankfully the other characters help balance him out. These characters include his parents, his sister and her girlfriend, Grant, Hannah, and Elliot. Each character has their own individual quirks and flaws as well. If I had to choose one as my favorite, I would have to go with Elliot.

Elliot is a sweetheart and is the one who really helps Micah see a world outside his privileged one. Elliot has to work as a barista at a local coffee shop in order to make ends meet. There are various episodes with Micah that wind up interfering with Elliot's job therefore jeopardizing it. As she is doing to, Micah starts realizing exactly how his actions affect the others around him. He also starts to realizes just how much he cares about this graceful warm hearted individual who has become such an important part of his life.

Author Adam Sass does a really good job of writing these two characters. They are a bit of a mess but there is so much heart between them. They bond over popular culture and are both looking for their queer happily ever after. All of this was just adorable but not without some hard young life lessons. Included in these life lessons is a bit of a love triangle. It is emotional and messy as these characters begin recognizing what they might actually need out of a relationship. There is also a look at social media popularity. Overall, it feels like The 99 Boyfriends of Micah Summers might be geared more toward s younger audience. It still has alot of heart and wit to go around though.

I don't know how to describe this book, finished in a very short time. I loved the posts and the use of social media in the book! All approved!

This was so cute! So sugary sweet, I not only think I have a cavity now from the sweetness, but also a book hangover. Micah and Elliot were so messy and flawed but also so real. They eat Sass depicted the teens was so frustrating and beautiful and true-to-life. I loved the adventure around Chicago (my favorite city!), the art aspect, and the perfect little friend group. This one felt very YA but that doesn’t mean adults everywhere won’t enjoy it! Sass is truly becoming a staple in the YA Genre.

4.5 Stars

Thank you to PenguinTeen and Netgalley for an earc of this one!

Micah wants nothing more than a fairytale romance. You can see it in each one of of his 99 imagined boyfriends on his instaloves page. But when he finally gets his first date, his relationship isn't everything he expected it to be and he might be falling for his friend instead?

This was adorable. Such a cute summery romcom. I absolutely looooved the relationship in this one. I love the romance and the friendships and Micah is so cute. He seriously deserves everything good in the world. I love the art show and the focus on Micah's fairytale drawings and his brain. I love the friends and family in this and it just truly made me very happy.

Content Warnings
Minor: Toxic relationship

I absolutely loved MIcah, I feel like he had an amazing personality throughout the book and I loved how things went for him!

It’s the summer before senior year and 17-year-old Micah Summers wants to find a boyfriend. He’s the “Prince” of Chicago, being the only son of the media-annointed King of Chicago, former hockey star, Jeremy Summers. Micah grew up in a media spotlight, which is why he likes to keep on the down-low with his own pet projects, like his anonymous Insta profile, Instaloves. Here, Micah has cataloged fairytale-esque pencil sketches and vignettes of 99 boys he met in his everyday life who maybe could have been his first date—if only he had the courage to ask. Now, his multitude of fans are clamoring for Boy 100 to be The One. And basically, Micah is ready to actually date someone for a change. He’s 17 and never been kissed—or anything else.

Micah meets the perfect boy on the L train, but doesn’t get his name or number due to a late departure. They had connection though, and this person is clearly an artist, like Micah aspires to be. So, Micah enlists his bestie, Hannah, and her other gay bestie, Elliot, to help him track what meager clues were left behind in the one-of-a-kind vegan leather pumpkin jacket Boy 100 left on the train.

Hannah, though, has bigger plans: meeting with her clandestine boyfriend. So Elliot, the ever-cheerful and overworked barista, accompanies Micah on this epic scavenger hunt for romance. And they find Boy 100—he’s a summer design student at Micah’s #1 dream school, The Art Institute. Grant is fun and friendly, but also fearful of relationships as his heart’s been broken many times. Micah charms him, though, and even reveals his identity on Instaloves in a moment of sheer bliss. However, now he’s being hounded by fans who want more content on Micah and Grant’s fairytale romance.

But, is it a fairytale? At first, they mesh so beautifully, working on Grant’s entry for the design showcase and being supportive art and love partners. Unfortunately, Micah’s creativity wanes, with the increased anxiety over his publicly identified art becoming more highly scrutinized. Added to this, Grant’s overbearing moments, where he’s acting like a clout-chaser using Micah (and his father) to promote the end of summer fashion show. Micah becomes bitter, especially when he sets up a hugely romantic date for Elliot and his busy boyfriend and Grant messes the whole thing up.

During this time, Micah is recognizing the goodness in Elliot, and how badly he wants uber-busy Elliot to remain in his life. It makes Micah confront some rather ugly truths about himself and his fairytale dreams. Sometimes, Micah gets it right, and sometimes he’s way wrong—hurting those he loves to save the fragile feelings of others less worthy.

This is a fast-paced, awesome, young adult romance with a twist. I really wasn’t a huge Micah fan for good parts of the book, because his decision-making was so poor. Then, I had to remember: he’s a 17-year-old boy experiencing his first love ever, and that character will make big, bad mistakes. Micah’s actually really relatable, despite being so wealthy, because he acknowledges his privilege, and accounts for his questionable actions. He’s so emotionally present, I was honestly shaking in the climax, biting back my own sobs as his relationships morphed in both good and bad ways. As a longtime resident of the Chicago area, I also really respected the author’s knowledge of Chicago, without taking too much license regarding setting. (Claiming amnesia regarding the Pizzeria Uno scene, because that’s tourist pizza.) Still, the setting was largely accurate, and fully fleshed enough that I could imagine running the streets with Micah and his gang of lovesick friends. I even giggled when Hannah complained about having to take a train all the way to, gasp, Orland Park. Because that IS a long ride…

I appreciated the incorporation of social media, and the anxieties that it can provoke in youth content creators, as well. Micah suffers for his art, but he also suffers over the perception of his art by strangers. That’s a real phenomenon for folks who count their subscribers in the tens of thousands. The fairytale premise was expertly woven throughout and the payoff with the pumpkin rescue couldn’t have been sweeter.

If you are a fan of YA gay romance, this book should join your TBR pile.

This was a super cute read!! Micah and Elliot were
absolutely adorable.
I am sad that I couldn't get into the books and characters
as much as I though I would, but I still loved the
Cinderella retelling aspect. Even though it was not one of
my favorite reads ever I still recommend reading it and I
thought that the writing was done
really well. I thought that the story was written very well
and I felt that the story wasn't too fast or slow paced at
any part of the book. I suggest picking this up if you're
looking for a YA Cinderella retelling with a twist!

This book has a lot of heart that I absolutely loved it.

Micah wants his own fairytale in life. He runs a popular Instagram post, where he draws his numerous imaginary boyfriends. Everyone who follows love his work, all 99 of these fake boys, and they anticipate number 100, but Micah wants 100 to be different.. and real. When he flirts with a boy on the subway, he’s sure he’s number 100, but he learns a lesson that all real relationships aren’t fairytales.

This story was humorous and tender hearted. It’s definitely what anyone who’s looking for the real thing would encounter. There’s a whole Cinderella “happily after” aspect to it. It was also humours in all the right ways.

If you’re looking for a sweet, swoon worthy story, look no further!